ONEIDA — In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, several local law enforcement agencies are adding a dash of pink to their uniforms.

Pink patches and badges have become a new tradition for many police agencies looking to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a colorful way to show support and raise money in the process.

“It’s very important for us. It’s near and dear to my heart, because my wife is a survivor,” said Oneida City Police Chief John Little.

“It’s an awareness thing.”

Little was sworn in as police chief in November 2020, and his department wasn’t able to get the patch idea off the ground last year. For this month, officers in his department are sporting pink patches on their shoulders.

“We finally got it together,” Little declared. The shoulder patches are identical to the normal Oneida Police Department patch.

“It’s the same patch, except it’s pink,” he stated.

Each officer was given a patch, and it is optional to wear, he noted.

Along with the new patches, the Oneida Police Department also participated in Jessica’s Heroes Run in late September, and have donated to the organization in the past. Jessica’s Heroes is an Oneida-based cancer charity.

“It actually helps local people,” Little said. “We love to point people there.”

The New York Mills Police Department has also added pink patches to their uniforms. Police Chief Robert C. Frankland has made it a tradition for the past several years.

“It’s something my mother supported a lot,” Frankland said. “It’s a conversation starter.”

Both pink patches and pink-colored police badges are available for officers to wear in New York Mills.

Other law enforcement agencies across the Mohawk Valley are making an effort to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office has hung pink and purple ribbons around their facility on Judd Road in Whitestown to recognize both Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness. The bows were created and placed by the Programs Unit within the Oneida County jail.